Tonight I’m joined by Dr. Trevor Harrison, a retired sociology professor and leading researcher on populism, nationalism, and political movements.

We dig into why trust in institutions is eroding across the Western world, what “the people” and “the elites” really mean, how immigration and identity get pulled into populist narratives, and why party incentives and career politicians amplify polarization.

We compare U.S. and Canadian dynamics, talk third-party hurdles, oligarchy concerns, and what history teaches about states under stress—plus where decentralization and regional identity may be heading. We also touch on Trevor’s forthcoming travel memoir, Safarname, tracing the 1970s “hippie trail,” and his recent poetry exploring war, culture, and our turbulent times.

If you’re looking to understand the roots of political frustration—beyond the headlines—this conversation offers context, caution, and a few surprising laughs along the way.

Guest: Dr. Trevor W. Harrison
https://www.facebook.com/trevor.harrison.1000
[email protected]

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Special thanks to:

Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
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Executive Producer Angela Wetuski

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(00:00:43) Opening from Asylum Studios and show intro

(00:01:04) Host welcome, date, and setup for tonights topic

(00:02:57) Housekeeping: website, contact info, live schedule

(00:07:08) Guest introduction: Dr. Trevor Harrison on populism

(00:08:09) Icebreakers: unexpected skills and mishaps

(00:11:11) Origins and path to sociology and travel influences

(00:13:13) Defining populism: elites, the people, and boundaries

(00:19:00) Who are the people and the elites? Constructs and targets

(00:24:24) Rising polarization and the role of parties and leaders

(00:28:36) Career politicians, term limits, and voter habits

(00:34:45) Why populism surges: war, recession, corruption

(00:36:48) Money, oligarchy concerns, and third-party barriers

(00:44:55) Are todays populists new? Historic echoes and state complexity

(00:48:59) Union versus nation: U.S. scale, regions, and future scenarios

(00:52:12) Texit, CalExit, and secession talk compared with Canada

(00:55:08) Leadership, referendums, and lessons from history

(00:55:48) New book Safarname: the hippie trail from Istanbul to India

(01:00:05) Poetry projects: reflection and grim times

(01:03:01) Travel as education and lens for society

(01:06:12) Where to find Trevors work and closing thanks

(01:09:35) Hosts closing reflections on populism and division

(01:10:49) Final sign-off and tagline

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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